3 Civil War Brass Relics - Need Help IDing

[crazydigger68]

All 3 found in a Civil War camp area with other relics in the Fairfax Station, VA area. All 3 are brass - just can't specifically identify any of them. The one that is most confusing is the one that looks like an aluminum pull-tab from a beer can - but it's not. It's a solid brass item. I've included a penny for size comparison. Thank you for looking and for any help identifying!

 

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[Plug N Play]

Pocket Watch Chain

 

[crazydigger68]

Thank you - very cool - a pocket watch chain! Thank you for the photo also!

 

[NOLA_Ken]

the piece on the right is a "conway" buckle from a horse harness

 

[crazydigger68]

Thank you for the ID on the “conway buckle”. I did a search on it and that’s right on. I guess you can’t tell the age. Based on location and other artifacts I assume Civil War. Thank you again

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Crazydigger said in reply to NOLA_Ken's identification of the Conway buckle:
> Thank you for the ID on the “conway buckle”. I did a search on it and that’s right on. I guess you can’t tell the age. Based on location and other artifacts I assume Civil War.

Sorry to have to disappoint your hope, but the buckle you dug is called a Conway buckle because it was invented by Frederick Conway, who received a US Patent for it in 1882... seventeen years after the end of the civil war. It's another piece of proof that definitely-postwar civilian horse-harness buckles got lost or discarded at civil war sites during the decades after the war ended.

 

[DCMatt]

Your "pull tab" looks like a cartridge extractor.

 

[crazydigger68]

That would be great if the “pull tab” is related to a gun part such as a cartridge extractor. Thank you for the suggestion and lead on that.

Regarding the Conway buckle - well the patina looked great and the surrounding artifacts sure made me think it was Civil War. Thank you for the details showing that it can’t be earlier than 1882!

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Since the guys have helped you I.D. the other pieces, let me offer a suggestion on your remaining relic.
This looks like a reins guide from a horse bit, also known as gag bit.

"The gag bit works on the horse's lips and poll simultaneously. The pressure on the lips tends to make the horse raise its head, which is useful for a horse that tends to lean on the bit. Gag bits are used mainly for horses that are strong pullers or for horses that need retraining. Gag bits are commonly seen in polo, eventing (especially for cross-country), show jumping, and hacking, mainly for increased control at times where a horse may be excited or try to run off with the rider."

Dave

 

[A2coins]

Cool finds I'd be looking for the pocket watch that went with it. Nice relics